1.mRNA display-enabled discovery of proximity-triggered covalent peptide-drug conjugates.
Ruixuan WANG ; Siqi RAN ; Jiabei GUO ; Da HU ; Xiang FENG ; Jixia ZHOU ; Zhanzhi ZHANG ; Futian LIANG ; Jiamin SHANG ; Lingxin BU ; Kaiyi WANG ; Junyi MAO ; Huixin LUO ; Rui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5474-5485
Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) have emerged as a promising modality in precision oncology, enabling targeted delivery of cytotoxic payloads while minimizing off-target toxicity. The integration of covalent warheads, such as those based on sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry, enhances drug-target residence time and tumor accumulation. However, existing screening methods for covalent peptide (CP) libraries require post-translational warhead conjugation, limiting throughput. Here, we present an integrated mRNA display platform that incorporates covalent warheads during ribosomal synthesis, enabling efficient screening of ultra-diverse covalent macrocyclic peptide libraries (>1013 variants). This approach, using site-specific incorporation of N-chloroacetyl-d-phenylalanine and fluorosulfate-l-tyrosine, accelerated the discovery of irreversibly binding (K i = 3.58 μmol/L) Nectin-4-targeting peptide CP-N1-N3 via proximity-triggered SuFEx. The peptide was further conjugated to cytotoxic payloads, yielding the covalent PDC CP-N1-MMAE with potent cytotoxicity (IC50 ≈ 43 nmol/L) against MDA-MB-468 cells. This platform establishes a new paradigm for precision covalent drug discovery.
2.Imaging poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) in vivo with 18F-labeled brain penetrant positron emission tomography (PET) ligand.
Xin ZHOU ; Jiahui CHEN ; Jimmy S PATEL ; Wenqing RAN ; Yinlong LI ; Richard S VAN ; Mostafa M H IBRAHIM ; Chunyu ZHAO ; Yabiao GAO ; Jian RONG ; Ahmad F CHAUDHARY ; Guocong LI ; Junqi HU ; April T DAVENPORT ; James B DAUNAIS ; Yihan SHAO ; Chongzhao RAN ; Thomas L COLLIER ; Achi HAIDER ; David M SCHUSTER ; Allan I LEVEY ; Lu WANG ; Gabriel CORFAS ; Steven H LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5036-5049
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its 18F-isotopologue ([18F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [18F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [18F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.
3.Protein C activator derived from snake venom protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against hypoxia-reoxygenation injury by suppressing ROS via upregulating HIF-1α and BNIP3.
Ming LIAO ; Wenhua ZHONG ; Ran ZHANG ; Juan LIANG ; Wentaorui XU ; Wenjun WAN ; Chao Li Shu WU ; 曙 李
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):614-621
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the antioxidative mechanism of snake venom-derived protein C activator (PCA) in mitigating vascular endothelial cell injury.
METHODS:
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in DMEM containing 1.0 g/L D-glucose and exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) for 6 h followed by reoxygenation for 2 h to establish a cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The cell model was treated with 2 μg/mL PCA alone or in combination with 2-ME2 (a HIF-1α inhibitor) or DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer), and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein expression levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and Beclin-1 were detected using DCFH-DA fluorescence probe, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. The OGD/R cell model was transfected with a BNIP3-specific siRNA or a scrambled control sequence prior to PCA treatment, and the changes in protein expressions of HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 and intracellular ROS production were examined.
RESULTS:
In the OGD/R cell model, PCA treatment significantly upregulated HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 expressions and reduced ROS production. The effects of PCA were obviously attenuated by co-treatment with 2-ME2 but augmented by treatment with DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer). In the cell model with BNIP3 knockdown, PCA treatment increased BNIP3 expression and decreased ROS production without causing significant changes in HIF-1α expression. Compared with HUVECs with PCA treatment only, the cells with BNIP3 knockdown prior to PCA treatment showed significantly lower Beclin-1 expression and higher ROS levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Snake venom PCA alleviates OGD/R-induced endothelial cell injury by upregulating HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling to suppress ROS generation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress in vascular pathologies.
Humans
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects*
;
Membrane Proteins/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism*
;
Up-Regulation
;
Cell Hypoxia
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Snake Venoms/chemistry*
;
Beclin-1
4.Mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification
Zi-ru LIU ; Zhu-yun SUN ; Ping-liang GE ; Ran SHI ; Xiao-yun LIU ; Dong-xue YE ; Guo-ying ZHANG ; Rong RONG ; Yong YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1167-1176
Aim To explore the mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lym-phoblastic leukemia(ALL)based on network pharma-cology and in vitro experiments.Methods The CCK-8 assay was used to screen the suitable conditions for heat stimulation to interfere ALL cell lines Jurkat,CCRF-CEM,Hut-78 and a normal lymphocyte HMy2.CIR,and the effects of baicalin combined with heat stimulation on the proliferation of three ALL cell lines and a normal lymphocyte were tested.The key targets of baicalin combined with fever stimulation for the treatment of ALL were obtained based on network phar-macological analysis,and the potential mechanisms were predicted by gene ontology(GO)annotation and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)en-richment.The expression levels of TNF-α,AKT1,TYMS and CASP3 mRNA in ALL cell lines Jurkat and CCRF-CEM were examined by RT-qPCR with baicalin alone and baicalin combined with heat stimulation.Results The optimal conditions for heat stimulation to intervene ALL cells were 41 ℃ for 24 h,and heat stimulation combined with baicalin synergistically inhibited the growth of ALL cell lines and effectively reduced the cy-totoxicity of baicalin.Based on the network pharmaco-logical analysis,55 intersecting targets of baicalin with ALL diseases and 77 intersecting targets of baicalin with fever were obtained.The results of GO annotation and KEGG enrichment suggested that baicalin com-bined with fever stimulation to intervene ALL might be associated with influencing intracellular reactive oxygen species metabolism,DNA transcription and apoptotic processes involved in cysteine enzymes.Apoptosis,TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways were the key pathways for baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating ALL.Under heat stimulation at 41 ℃ using SDHA gene as housekeeping gene,in vitro experiments showed that baicalin significantly up-regulated the expression of TNF-α and CASP3,and down-regulated the expression of TYMS in ALL cells.Conclusions Based on net-work pharmacologic analyses and in vitro experiments,baicalin combined with heat stimulation can regulate TNF-α and CASP3 gene levels in ALL cells and de-stroy cellular structure to promote cell apoptosis,thus synergistically treating ALL.
5.Tissue engineering technology for repairing temporomandibular joint:problems and challenges
Pengyu LAI ; Ran LIANG ; Shan SHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(22):4804-4812
BACKGROUND:Traditional therapies for temporomandibular joint disorders are limited by the severity of the condition and individual differences.In contrast,tissue engineering,as an emerging therapeutic approach,offers personalized treatment options tailored to the specific needs of patients,reducing uncertainties during surgical procedures,and enhancing clinical outcomes.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the latest research achievements and advancements in tissue engineering for temporomandibular joint repair.METHODS:Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)databases using the Chinese and English search terms"temporomandibular joint,tissue engineering,seed cell,scaffold,growth factor,animal model."The search period covered the inception of each database up to March 2024.Literature screening was performed by analyzing and reviewing relevant articles according to exclusion criteria,ultimately including 57 articles for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With advancements in biology,materials science,and engineering,significant progress has been made in temporomandibular joint tissue engineering,including the selection of seed cells,development of novel scaffolds,exploration of growth factor mechanisms,and construction of various animal models.Most studies are still in the in vitro experimental stage,and in vivo studies such as animal experiments are not yet widely conducted.The clinical application of tissue engineering in repairing the temporomandibular joint requires more evidence.(2)Despite the remaining challenges and issues to be addressed in temporomandibular joint tissue engineering research,it still presents vast clinical application prospects and is poised to become an excellent and efficient treatment modality for temporomandibular joint disorders in the future.
6.Preliminary Study on the Efficacy of Microwave Ablation in Treating Breast Cancer Involving the Skin or Nipple-Areola Complex
Xiaopeng GAO ; Qidi HOU ; Ran JI ; Yuqing DAI ; Xin LI ; Ping LIANG ; Jie YU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):892-898
Objective To preliminarily investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous microwave ab-lation(MWA)in patients with advanced breast cancer involving the skin or nipple-areola complex(NAC).Methods This study included breast cancer patients with skin or NAC involvement treated at the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2011 to August 2024.Patients underwent percutaneous MWA with water isolation technique to protect surrounding tissues.Clinical data were retrospectively collected,and the technical success rate,complications,prognosis,patient satisfaction with breast aesthetics,and quality of life improvement were analyzed.Results A total of 19 patients(24 lesions)meeting the inclusion and ex-clusion criteria were analyzed.The cases included 4 with T4N0M0,2 with T4N1M0,3 with T4N2M0,1 with T4N3M0,1 with T4N2M1,and 8 with T4N3M1.The average diameter of the 24 lesions was(4.9±3.4)cm,with an average of(1.6±0.6)ablation sessions per lesion.The median ablation time was 36.9(26.1,61.7)minutes,and the median ablation energy was 84.2(45.6,149.2)kJ.The technical success rate was 100%.Postoperatively,7 patients(7/19,36.8%)experienced skin burns around the lesion or nipple shedding,all of which healed naturally.The median overall survival was 35.0(17.0,45.5)months,and the median recur-rence-free survival was 17.0(11.0,38.5)months.Patient satisfaction with post-treatment breast aesthetics was 89.5%,and all patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life.Conclusions Percutane-ous microwave ablation for breast cancer involving the skin or NAC was preliminary demonstrates to be safe and effective,suggesting its potential as a viable treatment option for patients with inoperable breast cancer.
7.China's proposal of global public health cooperation in the context of reverse globalization
Rui-juan WANG ; Bang-dong WU ; Lu-zhuo-er PENG ; Yi SONG ; Ru-xin BAO ; Hao LI ; Ran REN ; Feng CHENG ; Xiao-hui LIANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(4):74-81
This paper uses literature and network data to systematically sort out the theoretical and practical foundations of global public health cooperation,combines expert interviews to conduct empirical analyses,and further explores China's strategies for participating in global public health cooperation through quantitative statistics and text mining of interview data,and proposes a plan for China's participation in global public health cooperation under the current international situation.Under the countercurrents to globalization,China should take its own public health capacity building as the foundation,put global security and health equity at the core,with a philosophy of open cooperation and sustainable development,actively promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation,focus on cultivating global health talents,and enhance the effectiveness of disease prevention and control by making use of existing platforms,international mechanisms and digital health technologies,so as to help build a Global Community of Health for All.
8.Determination of biological activity of teduglutide by a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence method
Xiao-ming ZHANG ; Ran MA ; Li-jing LÜ ; Lü-yin WANG ; Ping LÜ ; Cheng-gang LIANG ; Jing LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):211-217
In this study, we constructed a GLP-2R-HEK293 cell line and established a method for the determination of the
9.Association between mental health status and adverse childhood experiences among sexual minority college students in Guangxi
DONG Mingming, WEN Junshang, HUANG Dongping, LIU Hui, LIANG Ran
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(10):1396-1400
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health status and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among sexual minority college students, so as to provide a scientific basis for mental health education and health promotion in universities.
Methods:
From January to February 2024, convenience and cluster sampling methods were used to select 1 792 college students from 11 colleges in Guangxi. A self reporting method was applied to identify 476 sexual minority individuals. The Symptom Check-List 90 (SCL-90) and the Simplified Chinese Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (SC-ACE-IQ) were employed to assess mental health and ACEs. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations.
Results:
The detection rates of all psychological issues among sexual minority college students in Guangxi were significantly higher than those of non sexual minority college students ( χ 2=56.01-91.39, all P <0.01). Except for physical neglect, bullying, and community violence, sexual minority students exhibited higher reporting rates of other ACEs types compared to nonsexual minority students ( χ 2= 4.52-13.34, all P <0.05). The total ACEs score for college students was 1.00 (1.00, 2.00), while the SCL-90 total score was 96.00 (113.00, 160.00). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between ACEs total scores and SCL-90 total scores ( r=0.29, P <0.05). Additionally, all ACEs subscales, including emotional neglect, physical neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, parental loss, domestic violence, and community violence were positively correlated with corresponding SCL-90 subscale scores ( r =0.05-0.22, all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that family violence increased the risk of mental health issues for sexual minority students ( OR=1.61, 95%CI =1.26-2.09); emotional neglect ( OR= 1.05 , 95%CI =1.00-1.10), physical neglect ( OR=1.20, 95%CI =1.06-1.35), sexual abuse ( OR=1.49, 95%CI =1.15-1.93) increased mental health risks for non sexual minority students (all P <0.05). The cumulative effects of ACEs were all statistically significant in the total sample and both subgroups (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Mental health status among sexual minority college students in Guangxi is associated with ACEs, and their well being requires active attention


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